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Baltimore Police Speak Out Candidly; Casebolt Attorney Gives Press Conference with FOP President. Aired 2:30-3p ET

Aired June 10, 2015 - 14:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

[14:30:00] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: So then what's different?

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: Well, what's different is the proactive self-initiated policing has stopped.

BALDWIN: We're now in a reactive mode.

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: We're in a total reactive mode.

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: And this is the result that you get, and ultimately it -- it does a disservice to the law-abiding citizens. It does a disservice to the business owners. It does a disservice to everybody except the criminal element because they are in their glory right now. They know that pretty much the whole police department has shifted all to a reactive side, you know. You have no more initiated stops per se, you know. An officer is worried. He's riding down the street and even though you have a reason of suspicion and you see a guy walking down the street and there's a bulge coming in from their waistband and different characteristics that we're trained for to look for an armed person, and I can tell you this, and it's the truth, nine out of 10 times that officer is going to keep on driving.

BALDWIN: I understand the desire to self-protect, but at the same time, I'm thinking, if I am a resident of the city of Baltimore, I'm sitting here watching you all and thinking, this is not OK.

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: You're right, it's not. But we need the public's help, and that's the only -- the element right now that's going to be able to fix this, because the people on our side do not have our backs.

BALDWIN: You're both fathers. I can say that and here you are, you're risking your lives each and every day. You have taken this oath to serve and protect. Do you though think that sometimes some officers abuse that privilege?

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: I think that if someone abuses that privilege, then they need to be charged and, you know, that we need to get rid of them. We don't want that negative statement.

BALDWIN: Does it exist? Obviously, we're not naming names here. UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: The thing of it is every

profession.

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: It exists.

UNIDENTIFIED BALTIMORE POLICE OFFICER: It exists.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BALDWIN: Coming up next, the current Baltimore police commissioner just moments ago responding to my interview and reveals his blunt words for these two officers and any other officers who think like them. It's next, after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: Let's take you to the Texas news conference under way. This is the attorney for Officer Eric Casebolt, who has since resigned after the chaos of the pool party in McKinney, Texas, over the weekend.

[14:36:3500] JANE BISHKIN, ATTORNEY FOR OFFICER ERIC CASEBOLT: -- his first call was a suicide at an apartment complex where an African- American male had shot himself in the head at a poolside in the apartment complex. The male had done so in the presence of his family, his children, other parents and children. Eric assisted the officers, the McKinney officers who responded. He assisted them in securing the scene, photographing the body and collecting statements.

Eric also spent a considerable amount of time consoling the man's grieving widow. Immediately thereafter, he responded to a second suicide call. This one was involving a teenage girl who was threatening to commit suicide by jumping off of her parent's roof. Eric assisted by calming the girl enough so that she could be transported safely to the hospital. Eric's compassion during these two incidences are a testament to his character and all the officers who work for the McKinney Police Department. The nature of these two suicide calls took an emotional toll on Eric Casebolt. They serve as a reminder that while police work is often dangerous, it is fraught with emotions and family tragedy.

When the Craig Ranch neighborhood incident came over the radio, Eric Casebolt was reluctant to respond to a simple trespassing call given what he had just been through. He was content to let the other officers handle this call. However, once the call was escalated and responded to possible violent assault he felt and believed it was his duty to respond. Eric's actions at the Craig Ranch neighborhood were only an attempt to investigate the reports of violent assault. His purpose was to interview as many persons as possible to determine who was involved. He believed that those who fled were possible suspects.

He was not targeting minorities. In fact, he also detained a white female who you do not see on the video. His efforts to gather information was hampered by some teenagers who were instructed others to defy police instructions. With all that had happened that day he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Eric regrets that his conduct portrayed him and his department in a negative light. He never intended to mistreat anyone but was only reacting to a situation and the challenges that it presented. He apologizes to all who were offended. That day was not representative of the 10-year service to the community of McKinney, and it is his hope that by his resignation the community may start to heal. I thank you so much for your time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Will you take any questions, ma'am?

BISHKIN: No, sir, I'm not going to take any questions at this time.

[14:40:00] DANIEL MALENFANT, PRESIDENT, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE, MCKINNEY, TEXAS: Good afternoon. On June 9, 2015, FOP member, Eric Casebolt, resigned his position as corporal with the McKinney Police Department. The decision made by Eric was one that was extremely difficult to make. Eric made this choice with the hopes of unburdening the McKinney Police Department and the entire community of McKinney from many further negative publicity. Eric understands the pressure that was being placed on the department and city administrators. He hopes that his resignation will restore the peace in McKinney that was disturbed by this incident. Eric faithfully and honorably served the McKinney P.D. for 10 years. He was a dedicated and decorated officer who in this incident was placed in a high stress environment he was not fully prepared for.

Eric was a top performer within the department and received the officer of the year award for his conduct and service. This incident and the seven minutes worth of video does not fully depict Eric's moral and ethical character along with his contributions to the department over a span of 10 years of committed service. The McKinney FOP and Eric are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that he has received from the McKinney community as well as from citizens across the country. Unfortunately, this positive show of support has and will always be overshadowed by hatred and those set on creating racial tensions in America. This includes the countless death threat calls and e-mails being received that are not being conveyed to the public. The McKinney FOP along with the state -- Texas state FOP lodge will continue to provide any assistance necessary to Eric and his family. The McKinney FOP is confident when all the information is justly and unbiasedly investigated the truth surrounding this incident will be uncovered. Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Are any of you taking questions?

MALENFANT: No, sir.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: She left a big question hanging. Are you guys suggesting that out of the 12 cops that were there at the scene that Casebolt was the only one who responded to either the suicides and this?

MALENFANT: One minute.

BISHKIN: We -- because there's still an active investigation being done by the McKinney Police Department, we think it's inappropriate for us to comment on something like that, as much as we'd like to.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: You mentioned an apology. Is that apology to the 14, 15-year-old that's involved in that?

BISHKIN: Yes. Anyone who feels, you know -- who was offended, yes.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: What about the death threats? You say that you're in the telling people about that. Can you guys elaborate? Can you -- how often? Who are they going to? Were they phone calls, e- mails? We also heard some talk about people vandalizing. Any truth to that?

MALENFANT: I'll try to answer the questions you asked all at once. I can answer to the death threat calls and e-mails. Those are coming in daily, on a daily basis to, you know -- I can't speak -- I'm not here to speak for the McKinney Police Department at all. I speak for the Fraternal Order of Police. I can confirm that I've received some. I know Eric Casebolt has received some as well. As far as your question regarding vandalism, again, I'd have to refer you to the McKinney Police Department.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Can I just ask you, several people in the community said that they believe assault charges should be filed against Eric Casebolt with regard to his treatment of the teens. Is he to your knowledge the subject of a criminal investigation regarding the actual physical treatment of the 15-year-old girl?

BISHKIN: I believe to answer your question, I do not know any more than you all know. All I know is what Chief Conley reported in his conference yesterday. Beyond that we have not been notified of any independent investigations, any other criminal investigations or whether an investigation is even being done.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Why didn't he come today?

BISHKIN: Honestly, the death threats. He's worried for his family. He's worried he may be followed, and until that -- until that threat subsides, he's going to, you know, be in an undisclosed location?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Are the death threats against his family also?

BISHKIN: I'm not sure that they are against his family but are definitely against him.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: They have been forced to leave their home?

BISHKIN: Yes, they have been forced to leave their homes.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it e-mails, phone calls?

BISHKIN: I believe it's been phone calls, phone calls into the police department regarding him. He has tried to remove any ability to contact him directly.

[14:45:010] UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Did he make it aware to you that some people were doing this as a racially tinged act and his response and him working there, when did he become aware that it was viewed in that manner by some? BISHKIN: I think he became aware immediately the minute that it was

reported by the media and interviews were being done. I think he knew immediately that that was an issue.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION).

BISHKIN: According to the city of McKinney, he does keep his pension and benefits, yes.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: The police department now is actually getting angry and in some cases racially elevated calls in accusing the police department of not supporting the people, people on his behalf calling the police department?

BISHKIN: I have no information or no way to confirm that.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Can you answer that question?

(CROSSTALK)

MALENFANT: No, no, ma'am, I can not speak on behalf of the police department at all.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Have you heard that, those reports, because that's what I've heard in McKinney is they are now getting angry phone calls of a racist nature, people angry at the police department for not supporting.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Not standing by?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Not standing by.

MALENFANT: Ma'am and sir, I can't confirm or deny any of those accusations. I can't speak on behalf of McKinney Police Department.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is there an investigation going on as to who made the calls tracing them back? Are they trying to find out who did this?

MALENFANT: Once again, I can't talk on behalf of the P.D.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, folks, they only know what they are being told by the McKinney Police Department and pause they are representing the officer they are not getting all the things they asked for so to ask them to comment on that is sort of unfair. I'm sure the McKinney Police Department will do their due diligence to deal with that, but in this case where we are trying now is to try to let member them get an opportunity to get Officer Casebolt's sorry out.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: The FOP actually --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See's the attorney that represents him for the FOP. She's the fop attorney in this case

Yes?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION.)

BISHKIN: I can't answer to that. Right now he's waiting for this process to go through. He does -- he has received a lot of support from many individuals around the country. He's sad. It's his lifelong dream to being a police officer and that's pretty much cut off for him now. Doesn't really have plans for the future specifically yet. Still waiting for the process and for the investigations to be done. As Chief Conley said he's facing possible criminal charges, so he has to prepare for that as well.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Did you watch the video with him and what was his reaction?

BISHKIN: I did not watch the video with him.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: You talked about his emotions. Responding to the pool. What were those emotions?

BISHKIN: I'm going to allow him soon enough to answer those questions where his state of mind was. I can't really answer to that right now, as much as I would like to.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: In his apology, what exactly is he apologizing for?

BISHKIN: Apologizing that his conduct offended -- he recognizes and I think I said this, he recognizes that his emotions got the best of him and that the prior suicide calls but him in an emergency place that we believer not nobody in.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

BISHKIN: That, I do not know.

Appreciate you all coming today. I'm not going to answer any questions.

(CROSSTALK)

BALDWIN: I don't think they are going to answer any more questions.

Sunny Hostin, let me bring you in with your legal mind.

We've been listening to the lawyer, Fraternal Order of police lawyer who is representing Officer Eric Casebolt who is the one who drew the weapon over the weekend at a pool party involving teenagers, and so, you know, obviously a lot of people have said that kind of activity is outrageous. Even the police chief has said that that is against training.

SUNNY HOSTIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Yes.

BALDWIN: And here you have this attorney laying out, he responded to this suicide call and this suicide call, was hesitant initially and went in and responded to what could have been, what do they call it, a possible violent assault at this pool. What is she doing strategically speaking because he's not charged yet,

right?

[14:50:08] HOSTIN: Not charged yet. She's certainly trying to paint a picture of a conscientious officer who just had a bad day, but, unfortunately, when you are a law enforcement officer, you can't have that kind of day, the kind of day that we saw because in my view what we saw was false imprisonment of a child and brandishing a weapon at a child and there are penalties for that behavior. That certainly could be a felony.

BALDWIN: A felony.

HOSTIN: And could expose him to a significant amount of jail time so I think she's trying to head that off at the pass.

BALDWIN: She says his emotions got the best of him.

HOSTIN: Sure. Again, as a law enforcement officer you can't have that kind of day. You're a trained professional, and that is why you have the authority to arrest. That is why you have the authority to carry a weapon and what we saw quite frankly in my mind were potential crimes so I think the fact that he resigned is important. I think we can't make too little about that, but the bottom line here, Brooke, is I think what we are expecting as a society is people that have that type of power must be held accountable for their behavior, and so I -- I suspect absent some sort of criminal charge, people in our society are going to say that he wasn't held accountable, because if you just resign as a police officer, can't you get another job in law enforcement. I mean, is that what we're going to see so, again, I think, you know, his resignation was an important step but just the first step.

BALDWIN: OK.

Thank you so much, Sunny Hostin.

He's at an undisclosed location after receiving end of multiple death threats.

Next, back to my exclusive and incredibly candidate interview with two Baltimore police officers. Their boss, the top cop in the city, the Baltimore police commissioner, just responding to my interview moments ago. You'll hear what he said in very blunt terms about these officers and any officers who think like them. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: We'll get you back to Baltimore in a second.

But first, South Korea is grappling with a deadly respiratory virus known as MERS and has killed nine people already. 3,000 people are moan to have the illness and a quarantine has been implemented. An abundance of cautious and schools closed even though the world health organization says the schools have not been linked to the transmission of the virus. And we have been talking here about some of the police officers in

Baltimore and how in the weeks after the Freddie Gray arrest and death it has been difficult for them to do their jobs effectively. Two active duty officers talked to me because they did not have permission to -- to talk. They describe feeling like they can't be proactive when trying to thwart the crime and many are holding back out of a fear of being prosecuted.

Joining me now is Miguel Marquez, who has been covering this for weeks and weeks, at the news conference held by the commissioner there. Also joining me is Baltimore Councilman Carl Stokes.

Welcome to both of you.

Miguel, I hear the commissioner has responded for our interview with these two officers. What did he say?

[14:55:40] MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, a bit of a bizarre situation. This was -- the U.S. attorney holding a press conference with lots of federal officials and the state's attorney, Marilyn Mosby, and the police commissioner to combine their efforts to go after crime across the city. The commissioner then spoke and we tried to ask him about the people speaking out. Officers both publicly and unanimously, as you know, saying that they have lost confidence in him, in his leadership, that they don't know how to act as police officers because they fear that they make too aggressive an arrest that they will then end up being prosecuted themselves. I tried to ask him that question. Here's how he responded.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANTHONY BATTS, COMMISSIONER, BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT: The question is -- your question is kind of oxymoronic because you're saying they don't do this for that. I'll say this. My job is real clear. I come to work every day, and I roll up my sleeves and I put my nose to the grindstone. I don't worry about hyperbole. I don't worry about the other stuff that's going on and the political stuff. My job is to give direction and make sure that we get it done. These officers have an ethical responsibility to this city, to the babies, to the kids, to the mothers, to the weak ones that are out there to protect this city as a whole and keep their job going in that direction. We've provided them insight and peer counseling and an opportunity to share what they need to do. But at the end of the day we get paid to get a job done.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUEZ: But that is the question, are they doing their jobs? All the statistics we've seen up until this point is that murder rates, crime rates across the board are up and arrest are way down. Put in many questions for more statistics, more recent statistics and the police commissioner rather than answer question mocks the question and doesn't answer so it's very clear the state's attorney has refused to answer any questions with regard to her. Police officers feel that she will go after them if they make arrests that are deemed not proper. BALDWIN: Right. That is exactly what those officers told me.

Appreciate you trying to get a question in there.

Councilman Stokes, I want to ask you something specific. These two officers --

(CROSSTALK)

CARL STOKES, BALTIMORE COUNCILMAN: Hi.

BALDWIN: Hi. These officers said to me they were blaming activists and some of the demonstrators, those who don't live in Baltimore, came in from out town when you and I were on TV and gettings things ride up over brublt, their word and then they say they are clearing at a town leaving Baltimore to have to deal with the aftermath. I want you to respond to that.

STOKES: I don't know the two officers but I do respect officers and the fact that they serve our city. But some of their statements, the tone was somewhat disingenuous. Didn't take outside agitators to come to Baltimore and say look at the uneven brutality, uneven enforcement history, to demand it to happen in our city so it is not try that people came to down an caused the riot. That's not true.

(CROSSTALK)

BALDWIN: I don't think they say they caused it, but I think they would say they agitate it.

STOKES: They edged it on. I don't think that's true. That's what southern segregationists would say when Martin Luther King and white Jews and others from upstate New York would come down to the south, that these outside agitators are coming here and stirring up our people, and that wasn't the case then and it's not the case now. Now, I respect police in this city and most of the citizens. Have probably one of the toughest jobs in America and we would also expect they would have some of the greatest resolve in America.

And I would have expected by this time that there would be some rebound from our men and women in blue to know they have an oath, they much uphold that oath and they must serve citizens of this city. No officer has been arrested for doing his job. Let me put it another way. No officer has gone to jail for doing his job or her job. Hardly any police have gone to jail for not doing their job.